7 Best Running Shoes in 2023
Are you looking for a comfortable all-arounder? A supportive shoe for overpronation? Or a speedy racer for a new personal best? There is no ONE best shoe for everybody.
We have tested over 100 running shoes and put them through our lab to help you find the best pair. See our highly recommended models in several categories below.
And if you want to learn more about choosing the right running shoe, scroll down to our 7-step guide.
How we test running shoes
We believe editors disguised as “experts” cherry-pick popular shoes to earn more.
Here’s proof that the top 1% most popular shoes are 245 times more likely to be picked in top-10 lists, and WHY expert reviews are biased towards popular models that are not always the best shoes.
Unlike most top-10 rankings, we list the best running shoes, NOT the most popular ones.
Here is how we’re different:
- As an independent shoe testing lab, we purchase all shoes with our own money to stay unbiased.
- We cut shoes into pieces and measure over 30 different parameters on cushioning, durability, breathability, and more.
- Our testers run 30-50 miles in each pair before submitting their in-depth review.
- Our scores include aggregated ratings from +2 million runners and 10,700 experts.
- We consider all ~2000 running shoes on the market, not just the 25 popular ones.
Based on this, each shoe is given a CoreScore from 0-100. Because of this, our list is different from other top-10 lists you might be browsing.
Best running shoes overall
What makes it the best?
We crunched all the numbers together and found the PUMA Deviate Nitro 2 as the best overall in the bunch. From its outstanding comfort, breathability, and traction, to its springy platform, and durability, this carbon-plated shoe ticks all those boxes with higher marks.
Based on our smoke test at the lab, the Nitro 2 scores 4 out of 5 in breathability. This is a vast improvement from the previous version. Further scrutiny using a durometer also shows that the midsole of this model is 35% softer than average.
This do-it-all shoe, however, is a bit on the heavier side as compared to other competing brands in the same category. Although not an ideal option if you want a lighter and faster shoe, the Nitro 2 is a perfect choice if you want extremely versatile kicks that can do it all – easy days, uptempo workouts, or long slow distance (LSD) running.
As we always say, whether you’re on the road, trail, or treadmill, the best running shoes are the ones you won’t even think about while you’re running. For beginners, elite, or any one-shoe runner out there, the Deviate Nitro 2 is a proverbial match made in heaven for you.
Pros
- Great all-rounder
- Super-smooth and responsive ride
- Plush cushioning
- Comfy upper
- Grippy outsole
- Above average durability
- Fairly priced
Cons
- Heavier than other similar shoes
- Not many colors available
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Best running shoes for trail
What makes it the best?
For tackling off-road terrain like a boss, we pick Hoka's first carbon-plated trail running shoe -- the Tecton X --- as number one. Based on a battery of tests at the lab (and on the trail), this dual-plated shoe scores impressive numbers in propulsive performance, comfort, and stability.
For a plated trail shoe, the Tecton X feels comfortably cushioned. Using a caliper for accuracy, the shoe comes with a 27.3mm forefoot stack height, which is 3mm higher than the average shoe. Despite its huge stack, the Tecton X only weighs 8.1 oz or 231g, which is surprisingly lightweight than the majority of trail running shoes.
The only gripes we have occurred while maneuvering technical terrains and muddy paths. The 2-plated platform reacted too sharply on sharp rocks and loose ground. But sticking to less technical routes, the speed-ready Hoka Tecton X delivers a sterling performance in marathons and ultra trail races.
Pros
- 2 carbon plates: very propulsive ride
- Insanely stable
- Looks fast and runs fast
- Lightweight
- Very cushioned & responsive
- Worth the investment
- Room for feet swelling
- Grippy
- No break-in
- Vegan materials used
Cons
- Not for technical terrains
- Might accumulate mud
- Expensive
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Best running shoes with wide toebox
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Fits like a dream
- Accommodating stretchy upper
- Efficient transitions
- Surprisingly peppy
- Laces stay tied tightly
- Low to the ground
- Durable construction
- Great deal
- Do-it-all shoe
- Impressive weight
- Breathable
Cons
- Not for long runs
- No reflective details
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Best stability running shoes
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Stable but not harsh
- Cushy for long miles
- Awesome impact protection
- Supportive fit
- Glides you forward
- Lighter than it seems
- Long-lasting
Cons
- An oven for the feet
- Expensive
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Best running shoes for race
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Breathable
- Responsive
- Carbon rods
- Soft midsole
- Laces stay tight
- Price
Cons
- Runs narrow
- Unstable at slow speeds
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Running shoes with best cushioning
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Super bouncy
- Cushy feel for miles
- Breathable
- Light AF
- Ready for cornering
- Locks you in
- Tongue stays in place
- Grippy outsole
- Mad durable
- Sets the bar for a do-it-all shoe
Cons
- A tad too long
- More expensive by $10
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Best running shoes for long distance
What makes it the best?
Pros
- All about comfort!
- True to size
- Lots of padding
- Smooth ride
- Really stable, even on light trails
- Great out of the box
- Built for longevity (500 miles, easily)
- Great grip
Cons
- Lacks breathability for hot summer days
- Not the best for long distances
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Comparison of the 7 best running shoes
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There is no ONE best running shoe
Feet are unique and even some of the best-rated running shoes might not work for you specifically.
While many would pick the number one best rated running shoe as it must be thee best, note how little difference there is in the overall scores. Our general advice is that as long as you pick running shoes with a CoreScore above 80, you'll get a shoe that is good for most people, given that it's picked for its intended use.
Comfort above anything else
In a study that analyzed 40 years of running injuries, researchers found that comfort plays a significant factor in reducing injuries.
Comfort is made of:
- Perfect size. If you’re not sure which size you need, check our ultimate size guide.
- Perfect fit. This means your shoe isn’t too tight nor it feels too loose around your heel or forefoot. Additionally, no part of the shoe should give you discomfort - there should be no pinching nor uncomfortably tight areas.
- Cushioning. It’s that soft (midsole) foamy layer that makes your feet experience “walking on clouds” feeling.
Research has shown that comfort might go as far as improving the running economy (source) and decreasing injury risk (study). Runners usually report more comfort with more cushioning.
Typically, lightweight running shoes offer less cushioning, and we therefore generally don’t recommend beginners to pick running shoes that weigh less than 250 grams. This way, you’ll leave aside two extremes: racing flats and extremely bulky running shoes. More experienced runners can find joy in having a pair of lightweight running shoes for their speed runs.
a light daily trainer (Saucony Kinvara) vs. a heavy max-cushioned trainer (Adidas Ultraboost)
What is arch support and why it matters
We have done a meta-analysis of more than 150 studies about arch support, where we interview doctors of physical therapy, podiatric surgeons, coaches, and podiatrists.
The conclusion is that arch support cannot make a huge difference to injury risk or the performance for runners unless you have a special foot condition, in which case you should seek a specialist. A few rough guidelines:
- If you don’t know anything particular about your feet, buy neutral running shoes.
- If you have flat feet, buy motion control running shoes.
- If you have a high arch, consider cushioned running shoes / neutral running shoes.
- If you have a moderate arch, buy stability running shoes.
- If you have a moderate arch and neutral pronation, buy neutral running shoes.
neutral shoe (left) vs. stability shoe (center) vs. motion control shoe (right)
To determine pronation, look at your used footwear - do you wear them evenly? If they’ve been worn more on the outer sides, you’re underpronating. If they’ve been worn more on the inner sides, you’re overpronating. Even wear means neutral pronation.
Road or trail?
This one is simple: If you mostly run on road, tarmac, treadmill, 4x4 road or even major forest trails or the likes, then buy road running shoes.
Only buy trail running shoes if you run on single-trails or off trails. Otherwise, you don’t need them.
TIP. You should not be afraid to run on roads with your trail running shoes once in a while. However, we recommend that you keep it at a minimum as feet and knees can start to hurt. The bigger the lugs, the sooner your feet will start hurting. Quite often, you’d need to run half a mile to your nearest trails, and that is not a problem.
Here are the key differences between road and trail shoes that you should be aware of:
Outsole: Road shoes have flatter and pavement-ready soles. Trail shoes have lugs (tread patterns), for better traction on uneven terrain.
Saucony Ride (road shoe) vs. Saucony Peregrine (trail shoe)
Protection: Most trail shoes are equipped with rugged toe bumpers and rock plates to keep the runner’s feet protected from various terrain challenges.
Toe bumper on Nike Pegasus Trail
Weight: Because of these features, trail shoes tend to be heavier than road shoes.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus (9.2 oz / 261 g) vs. Nike Pegasus Trail (11.3 oz / 320 g)
Upper: Road shoes have lighter, more breathable uppers because road races don’t have any obstacles. Trail shoes are reinforced with various protective elements, including additional layers in high-wear areas, which makes them less breathable.
Lacing: Trail shoes usually have a lace pocket - to prevent the laces from tangling with debris on the run.
Focus: For road shoes, it’s SPEED. For trail shoes, it’s PROTECTION.
Heel to toe drop in running shoes
If you’re new, or if you run less than 10 miles per week, there’s no need to know about heel to toe drop as long as you buy shoes with at least 6mm drop (preferably 8-12mm).
The only exception is if you have a record or severe ankle, knee, hip, ITB, Achilles, or plantar fasciitis injuries. In such cases, seek out a specialist before buying running shoes.
More experienced runners tend to show interest in the heel to toe drop. There are a lot of opinions on the subject. If you want to learn more, check our in-depth scientific guide to heel to toe drop.
| Heel drop effects | |
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Low
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High
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| The lower the drop, the greater the potential to improve cadence. | Foot switch is slower in higher drop shoes. |
| Lower and zero drop shoes promote midfoot and forefoot strike. | A higher drop allows for rearfoot strike because the elevated heel helps with high impacts when the heel hits the ground. |
| Lower heel drop might help with ITB, (anterior) knee pain, gluteal overuse syndrome. | Higher heel drop might help with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy (stiff Achilles), calf injuries. |
| Low drop shoes allow for more ankle flexion during landing. The ankle absorbs the impact and works as a spring. These shoes can place greater stress on the foot, ankle, lower leg. | High drop has a higher knee flexion moment. This means it has the potential to load hips and knees more, similar to heel strike. |
| Overstriding rearfoot strike might be prevented with a lower drop. | Overstriding forefoot strike might be prevented with a higher drop. |
Minimalist, maximalist, strike pattern, technology, waterproofing, etc.
As a beginner, don’t get confused by these terms. Ignore them.
Trust your feet, not “experts” and top-10 lists
The best thing to do if you’re buying your first pair of running shoes is to go to the running-specialized store. First and foremost: you’ll try them on and see if they are a good fit for your feet. Then, you might even get good advice from a store employee. Heck, they might even scan your feet and let you know precisely what features they have regarding pronation, arch height, etc.
If you decide to do your research online first, we’ve written a whole chapter on what to pay attention to! It’s not a good idea to trust “experts” and top-10 lists.
